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MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS

A TRAINING FOR THE


METALWORKING INDUSTRIES

 Updated on June 2015


Table of Contents
 Introduction

 Risk management on manual handling

 Hazards associated with manual handling

 Common injuries & occupational diseases

 Proper manual handling methodology

 Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

 Job design to prevent injuries

 Case study
Introduction

 Manual handling is a common activity in most workplaces

 It includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, carrying,


moving, holding or restraining an object

 Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders affect the back, neck,


shoulder, arms & hands

 It can be prevented through a systemic approach of


identification, assessment and control of risks associated with
manual handling.
Occupational Diseases in Singapore

Source: Ministry of Manpower


Risk Management on Manual Handling

 Required to manage risks under WSH (Risk


Management) regulations

 Assess the risk

 Take all reasonably practical steps

 Eliminate any risks


Risk Management on Manual Handling

 Step 1: Identification of hazard

Picture source: http://www.safetyworld.com/images/101.gif


Risk Management on Manual Handling

 Step 2: Assess the risk

 Dependent on severity of risk and likelihood of hazards


occurring

 severity X likelihood = risk level

 Risk Level = Low, Moderate or High


Risk Management on Manual Handling

Rare Remote Occasional Frequent Almost


(1) (2) (3) (4) Certain
(5)

Catastrophic (A) Medium Medium High High High

Major (B) Medium Medium Medium High High

Moderate (C) Low Medium Medium Medium High

Minor (D) Low Medium Medium Medium Medium

Negligible (E) Low Low Low Medium Medium


Risk Management on Manual Handling

 Step 3: Select Measures to Control and Reduce Risk

Based on hierarchy of hazards control

 1st – Remove the hazard

 2nd – Guard the remaining hazards

 3rd – Mitigate impact of hazard


Risk Management on Manual Handling
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Heavy

 Lifting over 25kg load can result in back injury

Picture source: http://www.masterlift.ie/images/HealthAndSaftey/HandS.jpg


Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Heavy
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Sharp

 Potential Cuts on the fingers


Hazards Associated with Manual Handling –
Odd shapes

 Absence of grip to hold the load

 Obstruction of walking view

Picture source: http://make-a-box.com


Picture source: http://www.fork-lift-trucks.info
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling –
Toxic substances

 Skin exposure to chemicals

Picture source: http://discountpowerparts.com

Coolant

Lubricants
Picture source: http://www.vacmagic.com/images/fixture%20macchining%20scene.jpg
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling –
Toxic substances

 Exposure to chemical dust, fumes & vapours

Picture source: http://www.railcamp.com


Picture source: http://www.airborncoatings.com/images/air3.gif
Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Neck Strain

Picture source: http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise2/neckspra.jpg


Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Wrist Sprains  Back Sprains

Picture source: http://athleticscholarships.net/back%20pain.jpg

Picture source: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/pictures/wrist.jpg


Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Shoulder pain  Upper back pain

Picture source: http://www.gotosee.co.uk

Picture source: http://medicineworld.org


Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Slips, trips and fall

Picture source: http://www.istockphoto.com


Picture source: http://www.greenbergmassarelli.com/Images/slip_fall.jpg
Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Cuts

Picture source : http://krismarkel.com/eclaircie/photos/uncategorized/ouch.JPG


Picture source: http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Boffer/Images/FA-MinorCut.jpg
Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

 Skin dermatitis

Picture source: http://www.osh.govt.nz


Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

 Skin dermatitis

Picture source: http://www.ascc.gov.au


Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

 Occupational respiratory & lung diseases

Picture source: http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/images-image_popup-ww5r370.jpg


Picture source: http://myweb.lsbu.ac.uk/dirt/museum/simon/68-776-gse15.jpg
Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

 Occupational eye diseases

Picture source: http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/images-image_popup-r7_conjunctivitis.jpg


Proper Manual Handling - Individual

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING

Step 1: Hold the Step 2: Keep the Step 3: Lift the Step 4: Ensure your
load firmly load close to you load by pushing legs are stable
up your leg before moving off
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

 Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

 Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

 Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling – Team

 Team/buddy lifting

Picture source: www.fork-lift-trucks.info


Proper Manual Handling – Team

 Team/buddy lifting

Picture source: http://www.atlasstraps.com/example2.gif


Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Are there any sharp or point edges?

 Is it enough to prevent injuries or occupational diseases?

 Does the PPE fit you correctly?

 Does the PPE wear out easily?

 Is it based on chemical properties of the substance?

 Does it minimize contact with chemicals?

 Is it easy to clean and maintain?


Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Safety boots

 Protective gloves

 Helmets

 Working apron or overalls

 Goggles or safety glasses

 Face mask or respirators

Picture source: http://www.osha.gov


Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Safety boots

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk


Picture source: http://www.veganline.com/safety-boot-big.jpg
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Protective gloves

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk


Picture source: http://www.dkimages.com
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Helmets

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk


Picture source: http://myweb.datahalland.se/w-15080/admin/picture/20050919154156.jpg
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Working apron or safety overalls

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk


Picture source: http://www.anzic-int.com
Picture source: http://www.dashackoutdoors.com
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Goggles or safety glasses

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk


Picture source: http://teachertech.rice.edu
Picture source: http://www.wintex.ca/english/Images/PPE026b.gif
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

 Face mask or respirator

Picture source: http://www.ammex.com


Picture source: http://www.shingleberrysigns.com
Picture source: http://www.toolrage.com
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

 Team handling for heavy or odd shape loads

 Breaks to reduce muscular fatigue

 Handlers job rotation between heavy and light activities

 Rearrange workplace to reduce twisting, stretching &


stooping
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

 Keep heavy loads around waist level

 Use of mechanical handling aid

 Package heavy materials into smaller container

Picture source: http://www.osha.gov


Picture source: CP 92 : 2002
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

 Provide handles, hand grips or indents for loads

 Loads to be free from dust, oil, corrosive deposits, sharp


corners, jagged edges or rough surfaces

Picture source : http://www.saylorsfarm.com


Picture source : http://www.powerwheel-usa.com

Indents & Handles


Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

 Provide secondary containment for chemicals

Picture source : http://www.smithsofthedean.co.uk


Picture source : http://www.fuelproof.co.uk
Case Study

The Case of Peter


Peter injured his back while moving some large drums. He has previously
suffered from back problems but felt that it was under control. His doctor had
advised him not to lift anything above 20 kg but he had not passed this
information to his boss.

The injury was serious enough to land Peter in the hospital. Subsequently Peter
was diagnosed with a torn disk. Peter admitted the drums were heavy, but
wanted to have the job done.

What should Peter have done?

Picture source : http://education.qld.gov.au/health/injury/casestudy.html


Summary of Key Points

Hazards from manual handling

Common injuries and occupational diseases

Proper manual handling methods

Use of PPE

Job designs to prevent manual handling injuries


Musculoskeletal injuries and
Occupational diseases
is preventable

Be proactive: it is up to US to
prevent it
Thank You
References:

1. CP 92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling

2. Ministry of Manpower – Guidelines for Manual Handling

3. SS 437 : 1999 Part 2 : Specification for personal eye-protectors


part 2 : selection, use and maintenance

4. SS 513 : 2005 Part 1 : Personal protective equipment – footwear.


Part 1: Safety footwear

5. CP 74 : 1998 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory


protection devices
Appendix 1
Appendix 1
Appendix 1

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